BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China and Sudan vowed here Monday to boost military exchanges and cooperation in various sectors.

"Military relations between China and Sudan have developed smoothly," said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan at a meeting with Chief of Joint Staff of Sudanese armed forces Haj Ahmed El Gaili.

China and Sudan have enjoyed profound friendship though the two countries are far apart, said Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and state councilor.

China cherished the traditional friendship with Sudan and would like to further promote bilateral cooperation in various fields, said Cao.

Haj Ahmed El Gaili appreciated China's long-term support to Sudan. He said the Sudanese armed forces want to maintain and strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side so as to lift bilateral ties to a new height.

Haj Ahmed El Gaili, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday, was paying an eight-day visit to China, invited by Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Liang Guanglie. He and his party will also visit eastern Chinese cities of Nanjing and Shanghai.